11-Day Sri Lanka Highlights Tour with Sigiriya, Ella and Mirissa

11 Days Round trip from Sigiriya Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
02 Explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa
03 Enjoy a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park
04 Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy
05 Take a scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella
06 Hike Little Adam's Peak and visit Nine Arch Bridge
07 Join an early morning whale-watching excursion in Mirissa
08 Visit Galle Dutch Fort and enjoy a Madhu River boat safari

Experience the best of Sri Lanka on an unforgettable 11-day journey through ancient heritage sites, lush tea plantations, scenic hill country, vibrant cities, and golden beaches. Discover the island's rich culture at Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy, enjoy breathtaking landscapes on the train ride to Ella, and encounter incredible wildlife at Minneriya National Park and on a whale-watching excursion in Mirissa. From the cultural treasures of the island to its natural wonders, this tour offers the perfect blend of history, adventure, and relaxation, along with the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 11 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Bentota, Mirissa, Sigiriya, Ella, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya, Minneriya National Park, Katunayake

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Transfer to Sigiriya

Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport
Transfer to Sigiriya
Relax and enjoy the surroundings
Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Day 02

Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Village Experience

Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Enjoy an authentic Sigiriya Village Tour
Evening at leisure
Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Day 03

Polonnaruwa Ruins and Minneriya Safari

Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
Explore the archaeological ruins
Enjoy an evening jeep safari at Minneriya National Park
Overnight stay in Sigiriya

Day 04

Journey to Kandy and Cultural Highlights

Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Explore Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
Enjoy cultural and shopping experiences in Kandy
Overnight stay in Kandy

Day 05

Tea Country Drive to Nuwara Eliya

Visit a tea factory and tea plantation
Enjoy a scenic drive through the hill country
Visit Gregory Lake
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Day 06

Scenic Train Ride to Ella

Enjoy a scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella
Visit Nine Arch Bridge
Explore Ravana Falls
Overnight stay in Ella

Day 07

Ella Adventure and Transfer to Mirissa

Hike Little Adam's Peak
Transfer to Mirissa via the scenic southern route
Overnight stay in Mirissa

Day 08

Whale Watching and Beach Leisure

Join an early morning whale-watching excursion
Relax on the beach
Overnight stay in Mirissa

Day 09

Galle Fort and Bentota Experiences

Visit Galle Dutch Fort
Enjoy a Madhu River boat safari
Visit a turtle hatchery
Overnight stay in Bentota

Day 10

Colombo City Tour and Leisure

Transfer to Colombo
Enjoy a Colombo city tour
Shopping and leisure time
Overnight stay in Colombo

Day 11

Departure Transfer

Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
Departure flight

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Sigiriya 11 cities · 11 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour

Fuel charges for the entire itinerary

Professional English-speaking driver

Driver's accommodation and meals

Airport pickup and drop-off transfers

All highway toll and parking charges

What's Not Included

Entrance fees to attractions and monuments

Activity and excursion tickets

Accommodation charges

Meals and beverages

Personal expenses (shopping, laundry, telephone calls, etc.)

Travel insurance

Tips and gratuities

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing and hikes
Light, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather
A light jacket or sweater for hill country areas
Sun protection - hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Swimwear for beach visits and leisure time
Personal medications and basic toiletries
A camera or smartphone for capturing memories
A small backpack for daily essentials and a water bottle
Cash and/or cards for personal expenses and shopping

Know before you go

Modest clothing is required when visiting cultural and religious sites such as temples; shoulders and knees should be covered.
Shoes and hats must be removed before entering temples.
Respect local customs and dress appropriately, especially in sacred places like the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Weather can vary-pack light clothing for the coast and warmer layers for the hill country.
Early morning activities such as safari and whale watching require punctuality.
Always carry some cash for small purchases in rural areas.
Alcohol, smoking, and loud behavior are not permitted in religious sites.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, Canada Friendship Rd, Katunayake, Sri Lanka

Tour start

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.